Frankenstein: On Science and Morality

I have never read the book Frankenstein and seen its direct movie adaptation before for the reason I never read or watch horror books and films. So when James Whale’s adaptation of the book, The Bride of Frankenstein, was shown in STS class, I at first was rather hesitant to pay attention. But when the story continued, I realized it was not too scary. The monster turned out to be rather gentle and kind-hearted than I expected it to be. Moreover, it was full of metaphors and lessons about morality and science.

While watching the film, I was sad in some parts especially where it’s shown how the monster was always treated so badly even if he only wanted to help and have a friend. It showed how uneducated and poor fellows are mistreated in our society before and now. And how most of us misinterpret their motives in doing something. What makes it even harder for the monster in the movie is that he cannot express himself well because of being mute, resulting to further misunderstandings between the people and himself. This resulted for him to feel alone and miserable which in turn prompted him to ask for a mate (wife).

It is also good to note that the film also portrayed the advancement of technology already in the 1930s. The machines and devices to create the wife of Frankenstein’s monster was already detailed and using lightning as the source of electricity to bring the dead to life reminded me how modern physicians use a device called defibrillator, with a dose of electrical current,  to treat cardiac arrhythmias among others, which makes patients' hearts continue beating.

The story Frankenstein is one of those books, films, and even lectures that tell us how “playing God” with science causes a lot of trouble. Innocent lives and dreams might all be affected if science is not used wisely and for the good of all.  It also teaches men that even though science has reached many breakthroughs and discoveries beyond one’s imagination, there are still limits and boundaries it can never tread. One must still consider humanity as one develops science and technology, for science without humanity is science without purpose.